Decathlon B'twin 500 pannier bags - any experience with?

[Reynard]

Looking to buy pannier bags to go on my Wiggins Chartres 26.

I don't need anything seriously heavy duty as they're only for the odd shopping trip and for carrying gubbins on longer rides. Decathlon stuff is good bang-for-buck and I have my eye on these:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-bike-bag-20l-id_8402098.html

Any thoughts?

 

[vickster]

Look ok, bit like a bin bag similar to ortlieb. Personally I'd prefer something with at least one outer pocket for accessing stuff like purse, phone, specs

 

[Smudge]

Lidl had their cycling gear in a few days ago. Three different types of panniers.

https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/MiddleofLidl.htm?id=1018&week=1

No idea what they're like or how good they are.

 

[Reynard]

Purse, phone, keys usually go in a bar bag, so lack of pockets not so much of an issue. It's more to take jacket, pack-up, maps, the odd load of groceries...

 

[alicat]

Quite a lot of one-star reviews, largely complaining about lack of waterproofness.

 

[Reynard]

Quite a lot of one-star reviews, largely complaining about lack of waterproofness.

Mmmm, waterproofness (or lack thereof) isn't really a factor for me. And it's nothing a few plastic bags won't solve if I do get caught out in the rain.

As they'll only be for occasional use, no point going ultra spendy. Likewise, I don't want el-cheapos because they will need to take a fair bit of punishment nonetheless.

Was hoping someone on here would have practical experience.

 

[vickster]

Mmmm, waterproofness (or lack thereof) isn't really a factor for me. And it's nothing a few plastic bags won't solve if I do get caught out in the rain.

As they'll only be for occasional use, no point going ultra spendy. Likewise, I don't want el-cheapos because they will need to take a fair bit of punishment nonetheless.

Was hoping someone on here would have practical experience.

There are over 400 reviews on the website

 

[Reynard]

They seem to be pretty marmite-ish on the reviews...

Am not in a rush to buy, so willing to explore all the options e.g. spend a bit more, get better quality ones secondhand...

 

[Reynard]

Well, I bought one yesterday - in blue as it looked kinda smart on the bike. For the sort of use I'm intending, I couldn't justify spending more right now. As I've discovered, with a junior bike luggage size and shape is more critical than might otherwise be the case; this one seems to be a good balance between fit and capacity.

FWIW, it's pretty obvious that it wouldn't withstand a deluge or a longer ride in steady rain. Showerproof is probably a much more accurate description, but as said upthread, it's not a factor for me. For someone who wanted waterproof pannier bags, they'd do better looking elsewhere.

Will probably post a review once I've had some mileage out of this one.